Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata is a historic cultural hub, known for its grand colonial-era architecture, leafy avenues, and vibrant arts and literary scene. You will find a city that blends old-world charm with an energetic creative spirit.

What to expect
As you explore, you will encounter wide boulevards, bookshops, galleries, and riverside promenades along the Hooghly River. Neighbourhoods range from bustling markets and tram-lined streets to quieter cultural quarters filled with theatres and museums.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is an excellent base for discovering eastern India, with strong rail and air links to hill stations, coastal regions, and heritage towns. Allow time to wander its historic districts before continuing your journey further into the region.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Stroll through landscaped gardens and admire the striking white marble monument that reflects Kolkata's colonial-era grandeur.

Howrah Bridge

View the iconic cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly River, best appreciated at sunrise or after dark when it is illuminated.

Park Street

Walk along this lively thoroughfare lined with eateries, cafes, and historic buildings that showcase the city's social life.

Indian Museum

Explore one of the region's oldest museums, with expansive collections covering art, archaeology, and natural history.

College Street

Browse endless bookstalls in this famous book market, a favourite haunt for students, writers, and academics.

Maiden and Esplanade

Relax on the open green of the Maidan and take in views of surrounding landmarks and the city's changing skyline.

Prinsep Ghat

Enjoy a riverside walk or boat ride near this elegant riverside pavilion, popular for evening outings.

Experience Kolkata's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Move around Kolkata using a mix of metro, suburban trains, and yellow taxis for longer journeys. Trams offer a slower, scenic way to see historic streets, while auto-rickshaws and app-based rides help you cover the last mile to your destination.

Local life & culture
You will notice a strong appreciation for art, theatre, literature, and music, reflected in festivals and small neighbourhood venues. Residential areas often feature lively street corners where people gather to chat, share snacks, and follow local sports.

Where to unwind
There are several green spaces and riverside promenades where you can pause between sightseeing stops. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for gentle walks, when the light is softer and temperatures are more comfortable.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for savoury snacks, rich sweets, and seafood dishes, which you will find at busy street corners and traditional eateries. Certain neighbourhoods are particularly popular for food walks, where you can sample many flavours in a short distance.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city, you will find casual restaurants, cafés, and food courts in malls and business districts. Menus often blend regional recipes with international favourites, allowing you to order several smaller plates to share and try more dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose restaurants in restored historic buildings or venues with river or skyline views. Many hotels also offer refined dining rooms and rooftop terraces that pair carefully prepared menus with a relaxed atmosphere.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls across Kolkata bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These centres are convenient places to combine shopping with dining and a short break from the heat or rain.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and older shopping streets showcase textiles, handicrafts, and everyday goods. Areas such as New Market, Gariahat, and Hatibagan are well known for their variety of stalls and small shops.

Evening retail scene
After dark, several shopping streets stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and busy food stalls nearby. Night-time is a comfortable time to browse and people-watch, and public transport and app-based rides make it straightforward to reach these areas.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, shoulder season)
Winter in Kolkata is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Clear skies and lower humidity make it comfortable for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing, and many cultural events take place during these months.

Pre-monsoon summer (March to June, peak season)
The pre-monsoon period brings hot weather, with temperatures often between 25–35°C (77–95°F). Days are warm and humid, but longer daylight hours give you ample time to explore museums, galleries, and riverside areas, especially if you plan indoor breaks during the afternoon.

Monsoon season (July to September, low season)
During the monsoon, temperatures hover around 26–32°C (79–90°F), with frequent showers and dramatic cloudscapes. The rain brings a lush feel to parks and avenues, and if you are prepared with light rainwear, you can enjoy a quieter, more reflective side of the city.

Post-monsoon autumn (October to November, shoulder season)
Autumn offers warm, comfortable conditions, typically 22–30°C (72–86°F), with gradually easing humidity. This is a lively period in the city, and the clearer weather is well suited to strolls through historic districts and evening walks along the river.

Frequently Asked Questions